How Gasperini's Roma are dominating through centre and right-side attacks

Santiago Castro has yet to score for Roma this season, with his playing time limited so far. However, Gian Piero Gasperini is counting on the Argentine forward from October onwards and is hopeful of goals from him as the campaign progresses. Castro's contributions are expected to increase as Roma's fixture schedule intensifies, with the head coach viewing him as a key part of his attacking plans going forward.

Gasperini has built Roma's attack on Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé as a partnership, though the pair have yet to share the pitch together in six league and Champions League matches this season. Soulé, returning from a physically gruelling 2025-26 campaign in which he scored six goals but battled pubalgia throughout, has now struck twice in the opening weeks—including a crucial injury-time winner against Atalanta—and holds the starting berth over Rodrigo Mora. Before this season, his last goal had come against Sassuolo on 10 January 2026; his previous strike was at Lecce on 31 August. He managed only two assists across that entire period, against Pisa and Stuttgart. Soulé's return to fitness represents a turning point for the Argentine winger, who enters his third season at Roma free from physical setbacks. Gasperini expects him to reach double figures in goals—a threshold that only Donyell Malen has crossed for the Giallorossi so far. The coach views this as non-negotiable; operating with a single striker over 10 goals is, by his standards, an anomaly. Soulé now faces a defining moment: to remain a capable performer or to establish himself as a genuine elite operator on the continental stage. Rodrigo Mora, the young Portuguese talent, has impressed in flashes but remains largely untested. Gasperini has publicly praised him, though he and the club acknowledge his tender age and the need for him to deliver goals alongside his promising moments. Mora operates within a longer grace period, but his trajectory depends on producing the numbers his talent suggests. Both forwards' form will shape Roma's January transfer approach. The club retains interest in acquiring another attacker—a priority unfulfilled in summer 2026. Luiz Henrique, Leweling and Gittens remain active targets. Director D'Amico has resumed work on the matter with conviction, though for Gasperini, performance in the here and now takes precedence.

Bryan Cristante has started this season as a regular fixture in Roma's midfield, and the statistical evidence reinforces head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's conviction—shared by his predecessors—that the number 4 is almost indispensable. The Friuli-born midfielder has long been a subject of discussion in the city, yet every manager to arrive at the Stadio Olimpico has considered him nearly essential. Gasperini knows Cristante well but has found him more mature and complete than before. Cristante's role has evolved considerably. He is no longer asked to function as a classical regista but instead to link the team's departments, win back possession, and play vertical passes that compress the side forward. The data reveals his effectiveness across both phases of play and transitions: across Serie A, he ranks among the best midfielders since the season began. Among all Serie A midfielders, when combined values of ball recoveries and progressive actions—passes and carrying the ball forward—are measured per 90 minutes, Cristante sits in the highest tier. He averages over 12 progressive actions per match, proving fundamental in pushing the team forward and directing play, while adding approximately 9 balls recovered through tackles, interceptions and second-ball situations—a figure well above the league average. His captaincy armband, a recent contract renewal, total command of Gasperini's tactical methodology, and knowledge of his teammates' characteristics, coupled with enviable physical condition, make Cristante vital to Roma's attacking structure. Marten de Roon provides further security as his understudy, capable of maintaining the standard of the coach's principles without leaving a gap.

Wesley and Malen, two key players in Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma setup, enjoyed an evening together at a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the Colosseum. Both players were absent from their respective national team selections due to physical issues and are working to regain full fitness ahead of the resumption of Serie A. With Gasperini having granted the squad four days of rest, the two Roma players made use of the break to unwind together. The meal was documented and shared by ARoma Restaurant on Instagram.

Wesley and Malen, both sidelined by minor physical issues and without international commitments, remained in Rome to recuperate ahead of the squad's return to training on Tuesday. The pair made use of a training session cancelled by Gasperini to spend the evening at AROMA, a Michelin-starred restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Colosseum, before Roma resume preparation for their Serie A match against Como on 11 October, which may include friendly fixtures to maintain match sharpness. The two players are working to regain full fitness for the fixture. Roma will prepare with a reduced squad during the international break, with Gasperini managing their workload carefully. The restaurant visit included the customary photograph with the restaurant's staff.

Roma's coaching staff and media commentators are divided over whether Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina should travel to Argentina for Lionel Messi's farewell friendly, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini having reportedly forbidden both players from attending the event. The fixture is scheduled to take place in Argentina, and the pair were expected to be involved — Dybala as a fellow Argentine and close associate of Messi, and Molina as his national teammate — but Gasperini has restricted their travel ahead of Roma's Serie A match against Como. The controversy centres on the sporting and logistical consequences of the trip. Commentator Carina suggested that if Dybala asked Gasperini directly to attend the event, the coach "would have difficulty saying no", given its singular importance. Roberto Pruzzo acknowledged it as "an unrepeatable opportunity", while Andrea Orsi criticised the restrictions as "exaggerated", calling the farewell a global event unlikely ever to occur again. However, Giancarlo Agresti supported Gasperini's decision, arguing that respect for the club paying their salaries should take priority, and that the fatigue from a long journey could harm their performance against Como. He noted that Wesley, Donyell Malen and Bryan Cristante had already missed the international break through injury, and warned: "If Dybala doesn't touch the ball or is tired against Como, what happens?" Paolo Ordine framed the issue in terms of professional priority, stating: "In these cases there shouldn't need to be a diktat from the coach — the players themselves should understand and identify the priority, which is the society that pays them." Giuseppe Torri reinforced the club's position on air, saying Roma and Gasperini "have every right to prevent them from making a long journey and returning just hours before the Como match", while acknowledging how difficult it is to refuse such an invitation. Torri added context that Messi's presence in Argentina had limited Dybala's international opportunities throughout his career, as he was often the backup option. He also criticised Roma's transfer strategy, suggesting the club had made an error by not securing a buyback clause on a recently sold player, leaving no safety valve.

Roma's coaching staff and media commentators are divided over whether Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina should travel to Argentina for Lionel Messi's farewell friendly, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini having reportedly forbidden both players from attending the event. The fixture is scheduled to take place in Argentina, and the pair were expected to be involved — Dybala as a fellow Argentine and close associate of Messi, and Molina as his national teammate — but Gasperini has restricted their travel ahead of Roma's Serie A match against Como. The controversy centres on the sporting and logistical consequences of the trip. Commentator Carina suggested that if Dybala asked Gasperini directly to attend the event, the coach "would have difficulty saying no", given its singular importance. Roberto Pruzzo acknowledged it as "an unrepeatable opportunity", while Andrea Orsi criticised the restrictions as "exaggerated", calling the farewell a global event unlikely ever to occur again. However, Giancarlo Agresti supported Gasperini's decision, arguing that respect for the club paying their salaries should take priority, and that the fatigue from a long journey could harm their performance against Como. He noted that Wesley, Donyell Malen and Bryan Cristante had already missed the international break through injury, and warned: "If Dybala doesn't touch the ball or is tired against Como, what happens?" Paolo Ordine framed the issue in terms of professional priority, stating: "In these cases there shouldn't need to be a diktat from the coach — the players themselves should understand and identify the priority, which is the society that pays them." Giuseppe Torri reinforced the club's position on air, saying Roma and Gasperini "have every right to prevent them from making a long journey and returning just hours before the Como match", while acknowledging how difficult it is to refuse such an invitation. Torri added context that Messi's presence in Argentina had limited Dybala's international opportunities throughout his career, as he was often the backup option. He also criticised Roma's transfer strategy, suggesting the club had made an error by not securing a buyback clause on a recently sold player, leaving no safety valve.

Roma's radio stations have weighed in on the club's decision to prevent Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina for Lionel Messi's farewell match, with most voices backing Gian Piero Gasperini's stance but expressing sympathy for the players' position. The core issue centres on fixture congestion and recovery time. Gasperini has reportedly blocked the pair from making the intercontinental journey because they are needed for Roma's upcoming match against Como, with the travel and the nature of the trip—a farewell party as much as a football occasion—presenting a fatigue risk. Dybala and Molina played in last summer's Copa América with Argentina and featured in the same World Cup squad as Messi, making the event emotionally significant. Multiple commentators acknowledged the difficulty of saying no to a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, yet sided with the coach's reasoning. Francesco Balzani (Tele Radio Stereo) noted Roma face a potential UEFA fine in November that could affect the January transfer market, though there is no concern at the club's headquarters about European competition exclusion. Alessandro Fusco (Radio Radio Mattino) argued neither player should even request permission, stating they should prioritize the club paying their wages. Franco Ordine added that Roma has already faced criticism from the Dutch national coach over the Donyell Malen situation, where it remained unclear what physical issue kept him unavailable. Stefano Agresti supported Gasperini, pointing out that Wesley, Malen and Bryan Cristante had already missed international action due to fitness concerns. Nando Orsi dissented, calling it excessive to prevent them attending a one-off farewell. Roberto Pruzzo suggested common sense would ultimately prevail. Simone Valdarchi summarized Trigoria's three pending questions: whether friendlies will be scheduled, when injured players return, and whether Dybala and Molina will depart for Messi's match—with the unofficial answer leaning toward no. Piero Torri criticised the scale of praise surrounding Matteo Nicolò Messi's departure from Roma, stating: "It seems like an exaggerated level of excitement about Romano. Certainly Roma made a mistake in not securing a buy-back clause on this player—they didn't leave themselves a safety valve." The official word on Dybala and Molina's travel plans remained pending as of match day.

Roma's radio stations have intensified debate over whether Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina should be permitted to travel to Argentina to attend Lionel Messi's farewell celebration, with head coach Gasperini reportedly opposed to the plan and the club siding with him. The pair would return just 72 hours before Roma's Serie A match at Como—described by one commentator as the second-most difficult fixture in the league after Inter–Roma—raising concerns about recovery time and squad focus. Dybala and Molina both played with Messi for Argentina at the last World Cup and feel the personal pull strongly, but the consensus among most analysed voices is that allowing them to make an intercontinental journey so close to a crucial match would damage Roma's preparation. David Rossi on Rete Sport argued that professional players should not have requested permission in the first place: "They should have said, 'Caro Messi, you could have organised this on 1 October, we leave for Como on the 10th.'" He added that the club "always makes two weights and two measures" regarding Dybala specifically, suggesting he receives disproportionate scrutiny. Francesca Ferrazza on Tele Radio Stereo declared: "I wouldn't even send them to Capri on holiday now that everyone is leaving for these four days off, let alone to Argentina four days before Como–Roma." Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport stated: "Molina and Dybala in Argentina would be counterproductive for Roma, returning 72 hours before the Como match. I think Gasperini and the club are absolutely not in agreement with it." Lorenzo Pes on Tele Radio Stereo said a decision would come "next week." The debate also touched on squad renewal: Lulli and Mario Hermoso are out of contract in June, with Lulli's renewal already under way through Pellegrini's agent. Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini are also approaching contract expiration, with much depending on how the season unfolds. The situation remains unresolved, with some voices—including Roberto Pruzzo—suggesting that "common sense will prevail" and that "common sense is staying in Rome," while others like Mario Mattioli believe the players will ultimately travel to what is described as a unique, unrepeatable event in football history.

Wesley and Malen, two key players in Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma setup, enjoyed an evening together at a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the Colosseum. Both players were absent from their respective national team selections due to physical issues and are working to regain full fitness ahead of the resumption of Serie A. With Gasperini having granted the squad four days of rest, the two Roma players made use of the break to unwind together. The meal was documented and shared by ARoma Restaurant on Instagram.

Wesley and Malen, both sidelined by minor physical issues and without international commitments, remained in Rome to recuperate ahead of the squad's return to training on Tuesday. The pair made use of a training session cancelled by Gasperini to spend the evening at AROMA, a Michelin-starred restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Colosseum, before Roma resume preparation for their Serie A match against Como on 11 October, which may include friendly fixtures to maintain match sharpness. The two players are working to regain full fitness for the fixture. Roma will prepare with a reduced squad during the international break, with Gasperini managing their workload carefully. The restaurant visit included the customary photograph with the restaurant's staff.

Roma's coaching staff and media commentators are divided over whether Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina should travel to Argentina for Lionel Messi's farewell friendly, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini having reportedly forbidden both players from attending the event. The fixture is scheduled to take place in Argentina, and the pair were expected to be involved — Dybala as a fellow Argentine and close associate of Messi, and Molina as his national teammate — but Gasperini has restricted their travel ahead of Roma's Serie A match against Como. The controversy centres on the sporting and logistical consequences of the trip. Commentator Carina suggested that if Dybala asked Gasperini directly to attend the event, the coach "would have difficulty saying no", given its singular importance. Roberto Pruzzo acknowledged it as "an unrepeatable opportunity", while Andrea Orsi criticised the restrictions as "exaggerated", calling the farewell a global event unlikely ever to occur again. However, Giancarlo Agresti supported Gasperini's decision, arguing that respect for the club paying their salaries should take priority, and that the fatigue from a long journey could harm their performance against Como. He noted that Wesley, Donyell Malen and Bryan Cristante had already missed the international break through injury, and warned: "If Dybala doesn't touch the ball or is tired against Como, what happens?" Paolo Ordine framed the issue in terms of professional priority, stating: "In these cases there shouldn't need to be a diktat from the coach — the players themselves should understand and identify the priority, which is the society that pays them." Giuseppe Torri reinforced the club's position on air, saying Roma and Gasperini "have every right to prevent them from making a long journey and returning just hours before the Como match", while acknowledging how difficult it is to refuse such an invitation. Torri added context that Messi's presence in Argentina had limited Dybala's international opportunities throughout his career, as he was often the backup option. He also criticised Roma's transfer strategy, suggesting the club had made an error by not securing a buyback clause on a recently sold player, leaving no safety valve.